Degustateurs with 1955 bookends.

This was my tasting night and the theme with the help of my wife, was wines I have never served to the group.
Our tasting group was founded in 1967 and I along with Ed and Tom are 2nd generations. I ran the group for 20+years and we are still a very vibrant 17 member group.
The starter was en magnum followed by older white AU wines all in screwtop, the a Portuguese flight, Spanish Rioja vertical and 1955 bookends. A really nice night with exceptional food. Thank you Chef Grosz.

Red shrimp skewers and Roasted Oysters

• 1990 Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brut Rosé Vintage 95 Points

  France, Champagne

  Out of magnum, wonderful rich salmon color, good nose, sensuous on the palate with a long finish. The right way to start a tasting evening.

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Maine Lobster, beets, red onion, broccolini and yuzu-saffron

• 2014 Howard Park Chardonnay 94 Points

  Australia, Western Australia

  Wonderful fruit on the palate. But against the Willow Creek, it was a step child. Solid showing and long live the screwtop.

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• 2010 Willow Creek Chardonnay 99 Points

  Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Mornington Peninsula

  Incredible, so youthful on the palate and the finish. Sparkled in the glass, bursting with stone fruit. A real mystery to the group.

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• 2011 Moorooduc Estate Chardonnay McIntyre Vineyard 92 Points

  Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Mornington Peninsula

  A slightly darker color. A must initially on the nose, developed over time, needed a decant to allow its true fruit to appear.

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Duck Confit with Belgian endive, spinach, spaetzle and quail egg

• 2008 Casa Ferreirinha Douro Barca Velha 96 Points

  Portugal, Douro

  2 hour decant. Had high hopes for this wine and it did not disappoint. Youthful Port like color and nose. On the palate this was silky smooth. Developed over time in the glass and just was terrific. Hold for 3-5 years and no end in sight. Buy and hold

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• 2007 Casa Ferreirinha Douro Reserva 99 Points

  Portugal, Douro

  2 hour decant. So smooth and almost perfect. Needs a couple more years but what a ride you will have if this is in your cellar. #1 wine of the evening.

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• 2005 Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinha Maria Teresa 96 Points

  Portugal, Douro

  Decanted for 2 hours and the color and nose were beautiful. The flavor swirls on the palate with its smoothness. Long finish. Enjoy. Drink.

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Prim Creekstone Farms filet Mignon of Beef with Foie Gras, fennel, watercress and creminis

• 1990 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Ygay Reserva 92 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Solid showing. Good fruit and ready to drink.

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• 1925 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 97 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Older color, 97 years led. Good fruit and wonderful palate feel and good finish.

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• 2010 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 94 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Deep rich color, so youthful after a 1 hour decant. This can wait 5+years.

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Day & Night Chocale Cake with Canela Ice Cream

• 1955 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage 96 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  3 hour decant and Wow. Lovely on the palate. Long finish to a great night of tasting.

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• 1955 Château d'Yquem 96 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Very dark caramel color, smooth on the finish.

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All the wines were stellar and the food matched the courses quite well.